What do you do when the key messages in your comms aren’t landing where you need them to?
It can be a hard thing to face up to – you know what you want to say, you believe in your message, and it’s your job to make your audience believe it too.
But no matter how many times you say it, across multiple platforms, your audience just isn’t picking up what you’re laying down.
Is it you? Is it your message? Or is it a plethora of factors that haven’t even crossed your mind?
The first step to troubleshooting your comms is possibly the hardest – self-reflection.
Consider the difference between intention and perception – the way you intend to come across, or the message you intend to convey, isn’t always how others will perceive it. This can easily lead to misunderstanding and miscommunication.
But the good news is there are a few simple ways you can bridge this gap:
- Seek feedback from your team to understand how others perceive the message
- Adapt to your audience – tailor your communication style to suit those you’re speaking to, it’s not necessarily about how you want to say it, but rather how others want to hear it
- Be clear and concise – avoid jargon and ambiguity, everyone will thank you
- Reflect and adjust – don’t be afraid to switch it up if you notice your messaging isn’t cutting through
The next, equally important part is to take the time to dig deeper and really understand who it is you want to talk to.
One of the golden rules of communications is that the ‘general public’ is not a target audience – it’s far too broad, and you won’t actually be trying to reach everyone – you’re trying to reach the people whose actions or influence impact your kaupapa. You need to be specific. Who exactly are you trying to reach? What are their interests, needs, and pain points?
The more you know about your audience, the better you can tailor your message.
Finally, remember that effective communication is a two-way street. It’s not just about broadcasting your message; it’s also about listening to your audience and engaging with them in meaningful ways. Encourage dialogue, ask for input, and show that you value their opinions.
Effective communication relies on trust, and trust doesn’t happen overnight – it’s about playing the long game.